In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 11

EPISODE 11

CHAPTER 2. THE STRONGEST SPEAR AND THE STRONGEST SHIELD

“Lyneth. Where did you go yesterday?”

A cool breeze, tinged with the hues of sunset, flew in through the open window opposite them.

Lyneth, who was leisurely reading a book at her desk, slowly turned around. Her eyes curved gently as she met Daniel’s gaze, who was standing with his arms crossed.

“I went for a walk and did a patrol, Danny.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed momentarily and then slowly relaxed. The man, who still had a boyish face despite being in his late twenties, spoke.

“As always, you’re good at pretending nothing happened. Ephinas Benjamin has asked me to warn you.”

“Warn me about what?”

“He said you still need to study barriers more.”

Realizing the intent behind Daniel’s words, Lyneth chuckled. Daniel’s eyebrow twitched.

“So, he’s the only one who noticed I used magic.”

Seeing Lyneth’s proud expression, Daniel could understand why his master had sent him. He sighed lightly.

“You’re well aware that using magic outside can cause a lot of trouble. What were you thinking?”

“As long as I’m not using magic to threaten civilians, it’s fine. I’m not the only one doing this. So, what’s the conclusion?”

“He said if you’re going to cause trouble, give a heads-up.”

“Oh dear, what trouble am I going to cause?”

Far from feeling down, Lyneth’s eyes sparkled even more, reminding Daniel of his master, one of the highest authorities in the Grand Temple. Somehow, Lyneth seemed more like him than Daniel, who had studied directly under him. In some ways, Lyneth was even more unrestrained than Benjamin.

“Oh, right. While you’re here, give me a lecture on setting up barriers. It’s your specialty, isn’t it?”

He was a barrier wizard, most likely to succeed Ephinas Benjamin, known as the protector of the temple. For someone specializing in dynamic abilities like telekinesis, static abilities like barrier magic were practically the opposite, but they got along quite well.

A common-born priest who had rapidly and unusually risen to become an official priest, standing out in the Grand Temple dominated by noble-born priests. Daniel always worried about Lyneth, who acted boldly despite knowing many were looking for her faults.

“That’s not what I came to talk about. There’s a national inspection starting in three days, and you’re expected to participate.”

Once a year, the Grand Temple would send groups of high-ranking priests, like Avis or Ephinas, on a nationwide tour. The purpose was to encourage priests in various regions, provide relief where needed, and gauge public sentiment. It was a significant task, indicating trust in those selected. However, Lyneth responded indifferently.

“Wow, it’s that time of year already? There’ll be plenty of volunteers, so why don’t you ask someone else?”

“It’s a direct order from Ephinas Eir.”

“…Even if it means breaking a leg, I have to participate.”

The change in attitude was swift. Among the five Ephinas of the temple, Eir Sandria was the only one she obediently followed, even in front of the Avis.

“You do become a meek lamb in front of Eir.”

“Because she is someone worthy of respect.”

“It’s fascinating.”

“Is that something you can say, Danny, who can’t do anything in front of Benjamin?”

Lyneth’s light retort shut him up instantly.

“So, how long will the schedule be?”

“Approximately a month.”

“Hmm…”

A single autumn leaf, carried by the wind, gently landed on the open book. Closing the book with the leaf still on it, Lyneth fell into thought.

‘I think I must tell the priest.’

While Cordelia briefly stepped out to take care of some business, the man quietly began to speak. Noah’s face wore a lonely smile as he candidly spoke about the crystal orb.

‘…Indeed, you made such a wish.’

‘At the time, I did. Will it help solve the problem?’

‘Better than nothing, I suppose. But why bring this up now…’

‘I know it’s shameless to ask, but please keep this a secret from Cordelia.’

‘Why?’

The man hesitated for a moment before speaking with determination.

‘I don’t want to confuse her. I know it’s hard to ask her to trust someone she just met…’

With long eyelashes, slightly upturned eyes, and a high nose descending from a smooth forehead, he gave a delicate impression, but his firmly set lips and angular jawline made him look unmistakably masculine. He lowered his gaze with a pitiful expression.

‘Is it impossible?’

‘Well, it’s not something I must tell her.’

Though Lyneth had a feeling the man was hiding more, she decided to let it go for now. It was never a good idea to meddle in someone else’s romantic affairs. Noah’s face brightened a little at Lyneth’s nonchalant attitude.

‘Thank you. I will try not to trouble Cordelia anymore, so don’t worry.’

She would likely prefer it that way.

Noah’s determined face as he spoke confidently suggested he couldn’t even imagine himself getting involved with Cordelia.

Is he being humble or just oblivious?

It was baffling, but it wasn’t her concern. Cordelia would handle it. Her job was just to break the spell that tied them together and get her payment.

The man didn’t seem like someone who would harm others. Cordelia’s judgment seemed spot-on.

Anyway, if she leaves, it means they’ll be alone for a while…

Surely nothing will happen during that time, right?

“Alright. I’ll prepare immediately.”

Lyneth gave her consent to Daniel while looking out the window. The red autumn leaves swayed gently in the wind.

***

“Wow, the weather is great. Makes me want to go out and play.”

It was a sunny afternoon. Sitting in a chair by the sunlit window, Cordelia pouted slightly.

“Oh, you shouldn’t move.”

At the immediate scolding, Cordelia lightly pursed her lips. She subtly asked Noah, who was sitting across in the shade, busy with his canvas.

“Noah, aren’t you bored?”

“How could I be when I’m with you, Cordelia?”

His affectionate response quickly dispelled Cordelia’s budding complaints. Her neatly arranged golden hair glittered brilliantly in the sunlight. Noah, who was staring at her perfectly sculpted face, silently wondered.

Can he truly capture that face in his painting?

As he carefully moved his brush, Noah voiced a sudden question that had come to mind.

“By the way, is it okay to pretend that we’re dating?”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

She dated a few guys before… she couldn’t quite say that, so she mumbled and waved her hand.

Noah once again cautioned her, seemingly more concerned with her movements than her romantic history.

Should she be relieved that he’s so considerate, or should she question why he isn’t more interested in her?

Despite his mature demeanor, Noah was more innocent than she thought. His gentle and earnest personality meant he fell for every joke she played. Perhaps because of all the teasing, he now watched her warily, like a kitten showing its tiny claws.

Ah, maybe that’s a bit too much.

“Are you sure it’s okay to get involved with me?”

“I’m more worried about you, Cordelia.”

“You can just call me Cordy, you know.”

“I’m sorry.”

He acted as if he would listen well if coaxed gently, but his stubbornness was quite surprising. Though she didn’t mind his respectful attitude, it felt like he was drawing a line, which she didn’t particularly like.

“Is there someone you like?”

She launched a sudden attack with a bright smile, causing Noah’s brush to momentarily hesitate. Watching him intently, Cordelia felt more certain of her thoughts.

And somehow, it seems he’s interested in her.

After years of dating, how could she not recognize someone’s feelings? Even if it wasn’t love, the interest was clear.

She had witnessed countless men competing to ask her to dance at parties, had heard endless praises about her beauty, and had received so many love confessions that they could circle her mansion.

So, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to have fallen for her at first sight.

“I do have someone, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t expect them to notice me.”

Cordelia inwardly clicked her tongue as she looked at Noah’s face, which displayed a calm and quiet smile without a hint of embarrassment. However, she couldn’t be completely sure of his intentions, as Noah’s demeanor was remarkably straightforward. Unless necessary, he never asked her anything and seemed to avoid contact with her.

Though he would blush if she surprised him, his composed nature meant his reactions were short-lived.

She had several servants on standby at her residence, but it seemed unlikely they would need to intervene.

“By the way, why won’t you show me the painting? I’m curious.”

“I want to show it to you when it’s at its best.”

“It’ll be beautiful even before it’s finished. If Lyneth says it’s good, you can be confident.”

“Even so.”

Even shaking his head, his face looked like a well-crafted sculpture. Cordelia tried hard not to smile like her father did when he saw good wine.

Ah, but she’s really curious.

“Shall we take a break? You’ve been sitting for a long time…”

The moment Noah turned around to tidy up his things, Cordelia quickly got up and moved towards the canvas.

“Ah!”

Having stood up too quickly after sitting for so long, her legs momentarily tangled. Still, with the carpet laid out, it should be fine…

Thud, the sound of her falling echoed in her ears. She closed her eyes tightly and whimpered.

“Ow, ow…”

Wait, it doesn’t hurt?

Something hard yet warm was supporting her from below. She opened her eyes slightly and lifted her head to see thick arms holding her and a handsome face looking down at her in surprise.

Their eyes met.